Creamed corn is a tasty side dish that brings sweetness to your table. Made with fresh or canned corn, cream, and butter, it’s creamy and comforting!
This dish is super quick to whip up, making it a perfect choice for dinner. I love serving it with grilled chicken or as a cozy side for family gatherings. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn is the best for flavor, but frozen corn is a convenient substitute when fresh isn’t available. If you use canned corn, rinse and drain it well to avoid extra salt and liquid.
Heavy Cream: This makes the dish super rich! For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture won’t be as creamy.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter.
All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the dish, but if you need a gluten-free option, cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend works well. Just make a slurry with water before adding it in.
Chives/Parsley: Fresh herbs add a nice touch! If you don’t have them, you can skip it or use other herbs like thyme or dill for a different flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture?
A few key steps ensure your creamed corn is perfectly creamy. First, start by cooking the corn with butter to bring out its flavor. Then, adding flour to the corn before pouring in the cream will help thicken the dish.
- Cook the corn for just 3-4 minutes to keep some crunch; don’t overdo it!
- Stir the flour in well and cook it for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste.
- Pour in the cream slowly while stirring to prevent lumps.
- For extra creaminess, mash some kernels to release starches that help thicken and smooth out the mixture.
With these tips, your creamed corn will be smooth, rich, and utterly delicious!
How to Make Creamed Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5-6 ears of corn) or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 5-7 minutes to cook. In total, you should be looking at around 15-17 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Let it get nice and bubbly—it adds great flavor!
2. Cook the Corn:
Add the corn kernels to the melted butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften a little but still keep that delightful crunch!
3. Add the Flour:
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the corn. Stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes. This step helps remove any raw flour taste and starts to create your creamy base.
4. Pour in the Cream and Milk:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and the milk. Stir constantly while pouring to keep things smooth and lump-free. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Season It Up:
Stir in the sugar (if using), and generously season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust if needed—make it just how you like it!
6. Mash for Creaminess (Optional):
If you like an extra creamy texture, take a spoon or potato masher and gently mash some of the corn kernels while cooking. This helps release their natural starches, making the dish even richer!
7. Serve It Up:
Once everything is mixed and heated through, remove the saucepan from the heat. Transfer your delicious creamed corn to a serving bowl.
8. Add Finishing Touches:
Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley, and add an extra grind of black pepper on top if you like. It looks and tastes great!
9. Enjoy Warm:
Serve this warm, comforting dish alongside your favorite grilled meats, or as a delightful addition to your holiday table. Enjoy the creaminess!
This creamed corn is rich, velvety, and sweet with a hint of pepper, making it perfect for family dinners or festive occasions! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Yes! If using canned corn, make sure to drain and rinse it well to remove excess salt and liquid. You can use approximately 2 cans (about 15 oz each) of corn for this recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream and milk with unsweetened plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead. The texture and flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftover Creamed Corn?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash more milk or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can enhance your creamed corn by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, cheese, or sautéed onions for extra flavor. Just mix them in during the cooking process to incorporate them well.